The Local Bite / Filipino and local restaurant in Invercargill

Inside The Local Bite / Filipino and local restaurant

The Local Bite on Kelvin Street is a cozy café with a strong focus on Filipino and local dishes, making it a standout spot for those after a casual, hearty meal rather than just a quick coffee break. While it operates as a café, it functions almost like a neighborhood restaurant with a relaxed vibe — perfect for lunch or an early dinner before their 5pm closing, though they do take bookings later if you want to linger.

Inside, the atmosphere is calm and unhurried, appealing to both locals familiar with Filipino cuisine and curious newcomers looking to explore authentic flavors in Invercargill. The space feels welcoming, with a small team that’s known for friendly, engaging service — something visitors tend to notice and appreciate.

The menu leans on comfort and generous portions, featuring dishes like Butter Chicken Pie, Pork Belly Pie, and iconic Filipino offerings such as Topsilog, Goto (rice porridge with tender tripe and crispy pork bits), and Dinuguan (a rich pork blood stew). There’s also an unexpectedly strong coffee game that carries over from the place’s previous identity, making it a nice spot for anyone who wants a proper brew alongside their meal.

Locals often stop in for a relaxed lunch where the focus is on authenticity and straightforward flavors rather than fancy plating or trendy fusion twists. It’s the kind of place where regulars return for the warm hospitality and consistent quality, whether jumping in for a quick bite or settling in to try several dishes. The quiet vibe makes it suitable for both solo diners and groups who appreciate a slower, more home-style dining experience.

Best times to visit tend to be midday to late afternoon, when the kitchen is in full swing but the café hasn’t yet quieted down. This is when you can enjoy freshly made Southland Cheese Rolls or creamy chicken corn soup paired with a well-pulled coffee without feeling rushed.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Serves great dessert

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Popular for lunch

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves coffee

Serves happy-hour food

Serves organic dishes

Sells prepared foods

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Serves spirits

Serves vegetarian dishes

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves brunch

Serves lunch

Has catering

Serves dessert

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Parking

Paid street parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

132 Reviews

Harirewa Tairaki

21 Dec 2025

Absolutely beautiful meal! Great quality & big quantity Also lovely service from the beautiful mother/owner. I can tell both owners are hard workers

Andrew Pirie

10 Dec 2025

Authentic and well presented Filipino food and great coffee. Great to see a new foreign cuisine restaurant keep up an authentic menu. I was pleasantly surprised to see the excellent coffee carry over through the change from The Good Fix. Quiet place, friendly staff, I enjoyed the Topsilog!

Mez OBrien

24 Nov 2025

Really tasty Goto (Congee) with super soft delicious tripe and crispy pork pieces on the side. Tasty soup of the day and nice buffalo wings. Super friendly and helpful staff. Definitely want to go back and try more items from their authentic Filipino menu. Looking forward to returning soon.

Irene Azul

15 Oct 2025

The best Pinoy food in Invercargill. We had lunch in this resto almost the whole time we were there! We had pork sinigang and fried rice and then we had dinuguan (pork blood stew). My goodness, do not be intimidated by the fact that it is made of pork blood because damn this is so good!!

MJ Cagande

13 Oct 2025

Everything is good for me. The food and service is above and beyond. If ever you’re in Invercargill, do not forget to visit them. They also have coffee for those who want a coffee break. Open everyday until 5pm only. However, they do accept bookings after 5pm.

Julie Easterbrook

09 Oct 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely loved my visit to Local Bite. Khristina and her husband are incredibly warm and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. The service is outstanding, and the food and coffee are simply amazing. Everything was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. Highly recommend stopping by — I’ll definitely be back!

Anna Le Danois

03 Oct 2025

Really good we took scrambled and poach evh on toast it was cooked perfectly ! Nice people as well !

Wahyuni Tjeu

26 Sep 2025

Delicious food & friendly customer service. Ordered fried fish with egg plants, okra and special Local Bite sauce from their specials. Big platter of pork ribs, well marinated and very satisfying. Great to see The Local Bite supporting other local businesses, such as this delicious custard pie from A’s.

The Local Bite / Filipino and local restaurant

Inside The Local Bite / Filipino and local restaurant

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

132 Reviews

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